GRAY MATTERS: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began more than 25 years ago, communities all over the country have been promoting awareness of breast cancer issues. The Humboldt Community Breast Health Project is a community resource for those facing breast or gynecologic cancer concerns, offering care and support, and encouraging each person to become their own best medical advocate. HCBHP services include a patient navigation program, support groups, information specialists, "warmline" volunteers, an extensive resource library and more.

Warmline volunteers, who are themselves survivors or their support people, are available to listen, answer questions and provide referrals. Beryl Feldman has never had breast cancer, but she has experienced two scares that led to surgeries, and knows what it's like to feel frightened.

"Last year, after achieving most of my lifetime goals, there was a hole in my life and it was time to give back. I called the RSVP office and took a look at their big book of volunteer opportunities. Narrowing it down to four organizations, I considered the alternatives and the Breast Health Project seemed to be the best fit for my interests and abilities. Women's health has always been important to me, and an organization run by women and focused on providing services to women felt worthy and comfortable to me," she said.

As an RSVP member, Feldman receives mileage reimbursement, supplemental volunteer insurance and is counted as a national service volunteer.

"I like being part of a sisterhood. I like that everyone here is kind and generous. There's a spirit of cooperation; it's a very loving atmosphere in which to hang out. After a recent traumatic set of injuries, I experienced what it's like to be on the other side of warmlining, when almost daily I received a phone call or a visit from someone at the Breast Health Project supporting my recovery and just being a friend. Back on both feet now, I experience gratitude daily -- no, hourly," said Feldman.

From warmliners to people who organize various fundraising events or assist with mailings and labeling, volunteers help keep the center alive. Showing up to staff a table for a few brief hours enables the Breast Project to maintain a high profile in the community and provide outreach and information to those who need it.

Experienced registered nurses coordinate the Patient Navigator Program. Staff and trained volunteers serve as navigators, supporting and guiding women and their support people through cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Services include referral for in-home assistance, financial aid, buddies for one-on-one support and assistance, and consultation planning that helps clients make the most of the patient/physician relationship. Support groups provide emotional and social support for those newly diagnosed and those undergoing treatment, as well as those with post-treatment issues. Volunteers are also available to research breast health-related issues, including individualized internet searches, when people request it.

Maggie Kraft, executive director of A1AA, can personally vouch for the services. She used them back in 2004 when she found a very small lump shortly after a "clean" mammogram.

"I was shocked when I found it, not knowing sometimes lumps can be 'occult.' Strange as it seems, the only reason I discovered the lump at all was because I promised the mammogram technician that I would start doing breast self-exams. My first call was to HCBHP," Kraft said.

"I have never volunteered for the organization, but I am a supporter and refer women there all the time because I know how much the staff and volunteers care. They know what it is like, most of them having walked the same road. Nothing beats a volunteer's personal experience and being a role model for survivorship." Kraft said.

HCBHP has established an outreach program to the local Latina community with regard to breast health, breast cancer and gynecologic cancer issues. A team of bilingual volunteers are on-call for Spanish-speaking clients. They can assist with outreach and translating advertisements and educational medical information.

For Nancy Lee, breast cancer was diagnosed at a routine annual mammogram. Surgery was scheduled and radiation followed.

"Volunteering is one of the ways to make your own survival count for something. Volunteering can be as little or as much as you are capable of," Lee said of her experience. "It is satisfying to be able to give back so that somebody else coming along can get."

For more information about the Humboldt Breast Health Project, call 825-8345. For more information about becoming a member of RSVP, call 442-3763, ext 218.

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Maureen McGarry is the project director for RSVP and VCOR at the Area 1 Agency on Aging.